England have asked FIFA to investigate racist chants toward striker Emile Heskey by Croatian fans during Wednesday’s World Cup qualifier.
The chants in Zagreb came after the striker was penalised for a challenge on Croatia captain Niko Kovac during the second half of England’s 4-1 victory.
“It is unacceptable for anyone to be subjected to racial abuse and we will be asking FIFA to investigate this,” the Football Association said Thursday.
“The FA and England team are determined to do all they can to eradicate any form of racism from football and society.”
Croatia spokesman Davor Gavran said the chants were “in fact very much isolated.”
“They seemed rather an expression of frustration from fans at how the match is going on, than an attempt to insult someone,” Gavran told The Associated Press. “We condemn those individual cases.”
